It's official now
Felix Gall and Gregor Mühlberger have a new team
What the “Krone” had already reported is now official! Felix Gall and Gregor Mühlberger have a new cycling team—the two Austrians have signed with Lidl-Trek.
Kronen Zeitung als bevorzugte Google-Quelle hinzufügen The move by Felix Gall and Gregor Mühlberger from the Decathlon team to Lidl-Trek—which had been rumored for months—is now official. The German team announced on Tuesday morning that it had signed the Austrian cycling star and his key support rider, effective next season. Gall, 28, who most recently finished third in the Vuelta a España, received a three-year contract valid through 2029, while his compatriot, who is four years his senior, signed a two-year deal.
“After some wonderful years and the successes that came with them, it’s now time to take the next logical step. Lidl-Trek’s high standards in all areas of modern cycling align perfectly with my own goal of continuing to develop to the best of my ability,” said Gall. He added that he is highly motivated and inspired as he looks ahead to this new chapter in his career. “I’m looking forward to this journey together.”
Gall made his breakthrough in 2023
Gall made his breakthrough for his previous team in 2023 at the Tour de France, winning the queen stage and finishing eighth overall. In 2025, the climbing specialist improved to fifth place at the Tour and followed that up with an eighth-place finish at the Vuelta. This year, he reached new heights with a second-place finish at the Giro d’Italia in May—beaten only by Jonas Vingegaard—and over the past three weeks in Spain. He also won the Tour of Burgos prior to the Vuelta after claiming a stage victory.
“Felix has shown in 2026 that he is among the very best and has established himself as a true podium contender in the Grand Tours. But we believe there is much more to come from him. We’re incredibly excited to see how far we’ll go together over the next three years,” said Lidl-Trek CEO Andy Schleck. The team has been closely tracking Gall’s development since 2023. “He’s taken a step forward every season. He has continuously developed his consistency, his self-confidence, and his ability to perform at the highest level over three demanding weeks,” Schleck explained.
Gall did not compete in this year’s Tour; Decathlon opted instead for rising star Paul Seixas. The focus on this exceptional talent likely made it easier for him to part ways with the French team after five years. Mühlberger, who is represented by the same manager as Gall, won the Tour of Austria in July while wearing the national team jersey after being left off the Tour roster at the last minute, and emerged as Gall’s strongest support rider at the Vuelta before being forced to withdraw due to injuries sustained in a crash. At the Giro, he finished 15th overall. He rode for Decathlon for only one season.
For Mühlberger, “a little dream comes true”
“A little dream is coming true,” Mühlberger emphasized. He described the move as an “important milestone” and “another valuable chapter” in his cycling career. “I’m thrilled and hope to make a significant contribution to the team in the coming years.” That is, of course, also the goal of the team management. “Gregor brings a wealth of experience, but just as important is that he possesses qualities that every team values: loyalty, dedication, and the willingness to give his all for his teammates,” Schleck explained.
Mühlberger is one of those teammates who would stand up for the captain without hesitation. “At the same time, he also has the ability to capitalize on his own opportunities,” Schleck added, referring to the Tour of Austria.
New Team with a Large Budget and Deep Roster
Gall and Mühlberger’s new team has been funded for the past three years by the German grocery chain Lidl and boasts one of the largest budgets in the World Tour. The roster is correspondingly high-caliber. Gall, who has signed a lucrative contract, is set to lead the stage race contingent alongside Juan Ayuso and Mattias Skjelmose. It’s safe to assume that Gall will compete in the Tour de France again in 2027. It remains to be seen whether Lidl-Trek will rely on Gall as the sole captain or, as they did this year, opt for a dual leadership structure.
With former Tour stage winner Patrick Konrad, there has already been one Austrian on the Lidl roster led by former world champion Mads Pedersen. The team also relies on Austrian expertise in its leadership, with Thomas Rohregger in management and Bernhard Eisel as one of the sporting directors. Following the departure of longtime team director Luca Guercilena, the team will now be led by Schleck and former Visma mastermind Grischa Niermann.
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